Collaboration Gives Voice to "Singin' at the U" at A&M International

An innovative collaboration will bring the sounds of
sweet voices to the Great Room at Texas A&M International
University Saturday, April 24 at 8 p.m.

"Singin' at the U," is the third in
a continuing series of musical University benefits
and will help fund the growing chorale program at A&M
International. Admission will be $15 for adults and
$5 for students. Tickets are available from members
and at the door.

The evening performance will feature the combined
talents of the Laredo Philharmonic Chorale (LPC),
Texas A&M International University Chorale, V.M.T.
Magnet School Choir, Martin High School Choir, Nixon
High School Choir, United High School Choir, Alexander
High School Choir and the Cigarroa High School Choir.

Fritz Gechter, assistant professor of music
at A&M International and the event's pianist, will
be joined in the effort by Billy Wayne Craven, conductor
of the LPC; Paul Foster, percussion and Bill Normandan,
bass.

Gechter said the effort is as much a result
of shared minds as it is of obvious shared talents
and love of music.

"Billy Craven, Paul Foster and Bill Normandan
have been tremendously helpful in this initiative and
I believe it's one of the most fulfilling music undertakings
we've all shared," Gechter said.

Gechter said the collaboration is indicative
of the University's efforts to develop its new chorale
program. He praised the generosity of the Laredo Philharmonic
Chorale which opened its doors to A&M International
and area high school students, giving them the opportunity
to sing with an exceptional community choir.

"This has been a truly innovative collaboration
that we think sings volumes for what we are trying
to do in developing a choral program here at the University.
This collaboration is affording our students tremendous
rehearsal and performance opportunities and helping
to introduce other chorale groups and members to the
developing performing arts at A&M International,
" Gechter said.

Gechter said he has been impressed with all
participants in this collaborative effort, but especially
noted the effort of high school chorale directors.

"We salute the efforts they have gone to
in providing their students this opportunity and sharing
their talents with us. We believe there are some impressive
voices within this collaborative and we look forward
to showcasing them," Gechter said.

He said Saturday's performance will provide
a rich musical program that embraces the diversity
of its participants.

"We'll have everything from the Broadway
melodies of "West Side Story" and "Chess,
" and the familiar strains of Gershwin's "Rhapsody
in Blue" to romantic ballads like "When I
Fall in Love" and the orchestral rock of "Bohemian
Rhapsody," he explained.

Gechter said that he is looking forward to the
University's construction of its $15 million Fine and
Performing Arts Center and the expansion of available
cultural activities that the facility will make possible.

"It's going to be a state-of-the art facility
for our students and a wonderful venue to showcase
the marvelous range of arts and cultural activities
Los Dos Laredos," he noted.

For further information, please contact the
Office of Public Affairs and Information Services at
326-2180.

University office hours are 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Monday through Friday.

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Affairs and Information Services at pais@tamiu.edu